![At Sun ‘n Fun 2026, Viking Aircraft Engines surprised the crowd with its first complete kit — the V-42, a high-wing twin powered by two Honda-based engines. Here’s an early look. [Credit: Andrew Robinson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/P1020293.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Viking V-42 Twin")
![[Credit: Van's Aircraft]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_5238.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Part 22 Gets Real: Van’s Delivers the First MOSAIC-Certified Airplane")
![[Credit: Wikimedia Commons]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4_rutan_a_longez.jpg_preview.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Rutan Symposium Turns to the Coming Canard Maintenance Crisis")
![[Credit: Flight Desgn GmbH]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1_mosaic_flightdesign.jpg_preview.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "FAA Accepts ASTM Standards, Clearing the Last Hurdle for MOSAIC")
![[Credit: magniX]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Magnix.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "magniX Opens Pre-Orders for an Electric Engine Aimed at Homebuilders")
Brush Up Before Flying Into Sun ‘n Fun
Flying into Lakeland for Sun 'n Fun? You'll want to brush up on flight procedures and ground operations.
Old Fiberglass Parts—Good as New
Fitting the RV-1’s fiberglass tail tips highlights the art behind careful craftsmanship—flanges, filler, and all.
Gelato Aids Aircraft Construction
Talenti gelato containers help organize fasteners in EAA Chapter 534’s hangar—plus, there’s dessert involved.
Close Quarters Fuel Pump
When building from older kits or plans, visiting other builders can reveal ingenious solutions, saving valuable time and trouble.
Wrenching with Friends
A few days in the shop with KITPLANES Senior Editor Tom Wilson refreshing an IO-540 engine makes the job enjoyable.
Multi-Use Water
When folks come to visit in our shop, we try to remember to offer them a bottle of water, especially in the summer. Most...
When Wear is Good
This screen is supposed to be checked at every oil change, so the paint wear should be proportional to age and hours.
Sport Class Air Racing: Rules Rewrite!
In a strategic move sure to rattle air racing’s pylons, Sport Class Air Racing has adopted a new set of wide ranging technical specifications.
Fiberglass Magic: A Better-Fitting Rear Seat Back
How to use fiberglass magic for a better-fitting RV-type rear seatback—stronger, snugger, and finished with a satisfying “clunk.”
Adventures in Pro-Seal
How do you use Pro-seal and document the procedure with a camera? The simple answer… you don’t! Once the Polysulfide Sealant comes out o...
In Case You Missed It
All About Avionics
A clear definition of the mission along with a realistic assessment of the type of flying you'll do are key to successfully completing an avionics retrofit. By Stein Bruch.
Common In-Flight Failures, Part 2
This column is a continuation of common in-flight failures that I began discussing in...
X Marks the Spot
Light and slow, yet lacking control skittishness, the X-Air is a simple and fun way to go nowhere in particular. By Bob Grimstead.